Open-source models and regional cooperation are seen as essential to universal AI access, with open-source foundations enabling developing nations to train in local languages and build sovereign AI capabilities.

China’s open-source models, including DeepSeek, Kimi, and Qwen, are highlighted as crucial resources for developing countries to train language-specific models and bolster sovereign AI capabilities amid language diversity.

Challenges remain in tailoring AI to diverse regional languages and securing sufficient computing power, fostering calls for stronger regional connectivity and cooperation to meet rising demand.

Experts advocate multilateral governance to harmonize safety and ethical standards and prevent regulatory fragmentation that could hinder innovation and access to computing resources.

Daws and other experts emphasize coordinated, multilateral governance to align safety and ethical standards and avoid fragmentation that would impede AI progress.

China has actively promoted global AI governance, notably through the Global AI Governance Initiative launched at the 2023 UN General Assembly to enhance international cooperation on AI capacity building.

Analysts warn that without deliberate intervention, AI infrastructure and talent risk remaining concentrated in wealthy economies, risking a widening gap for the Global South between consumers and co-creators.

Regional cooperation, including Belt and Road and ASEAN partnerships, is cited as a means to bridge infrastructure gaps and accelerate AI adoption in Asia, while acknowledging language and connectivity challenges.

Experts underscore the need for regional connectivity and cooperation to meet computing power demand, balancing innovation with governance and safety risks.

China’s open-source AI ecosystem is highlighted as a driver of sovereign AI development in the Global South by lowering entry barriers and offering cost-effective, integrated solutions.

OpenRouter data show Chinese LLMs gaining global usage, with three of the top five models by usage being Chinese, reflecting rising influence due to cost-performance advantages.